Extron AV Systems Empower Unimore’s New Fourth Hub with Seamless Learning and Energy Efficiency

The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore) expanded its presence in Reggio Emilia, Italy, with the launch of their fourth hub (Quarto Polo). Part of a broader urban revitalization at Innovation Park, this ambitious project transformed former industrial sites into innovation-driven spaces that foster collaboration between academia, research, and industry.

The new Quarto Polo serves as both an educational and economic catalyst, reinforcing Unimore’s commitment to research excellence. This 3,350-square-meter facility houses nine classrooms, two laboratories, and an auditorium while accommodating over 1,700 students and teaching staff. To meet its goal of providing a seamless, reliable learning experience, Unimore enlisted the help of consultants Cavea Engineering and AV integrator Decima 1948 to deploy advanced AV solutions using Extron technology.

Our experience in the industry has taught us that system reliability is the main value a customer expects from us. The reliability of Extron products ensures we meet this expectation every time.

CHALLENGES

The Quarto Polo required an AV infrastructure that would enhance teaching while being straightforward for faculty and students to operate. Standardization across classrooms and other learning spaces was a critical objective to ensure a consistent user experience and simplify technical support. The system also needed to offer dependable performance, minimizing the risk of disruptions—critical in both academic lectures and large-scale presentations in the auditorium, where reliability is paramount.

“When setting up new departments, our main goal is to standardize the technologies as much as possible,” says Anna Gelli, Architect at Unimore. “Our classrooms must be user-friendly, technologically advanced, reduce energy consumption, and guarantee maximum reliability over time.”

In addition to meeting high performance standards, the university wanted to include technology for minimizing energy usage. Sustainability was a core priority. The institution was aiming to reduce power consumption through real-time monitoring and automated control. Furthermore, the compressed installation timeline presented logistical challenges: Decima 1948 had only six weeks to install AV systems across eleven rooms and the main auditorium without disrupting the academic calendar.

DESIGN SOLUTION

Extron hardware and software formed the backbone of the AV installation across the Quarto Polo, delivering powerful control, signal management, and energy monitoring capabilities.

Classroom AV Setup

Each classroom is outfitted with IPCP Pro 255Q xi processors to provide centralized AV control. These processors are paired with TLP Pro 725T tabletop touchpanels, offering an intuitive interface that allows instructors to easily control the room’s AV functions. This setup ensures consistent operation across all classrooms, reducing the learning curve for users.

Extron DMP 64 Plus audio processors handle signal management. The largest classroom features Extron’s CA 163 column array speakers, while SF 26CT ceiling speakers provide audio coverage in standard classrooms. These speakers are powered by XPA Series amplifiers, ensuring that both speech and multimedia content are heard clearly by all students, regardless of room size or layout.

In addition, four of the classrooms are configured as two divisible rooms, further maximizing the flexibility of the space.

Laboratories

Extron’s SB 33 A Adjustable Width Sound Bar was installed in the laboratories, providing streamlined audio support with a compact, sleek design that integrates seamlessly into the space. This product choice reflects the installation’s commitment to maintaining functionality while minimizing visual distractions.

Auditorium Configuration

The auditorium’s AV system is designed to support large-scale events, offering advanced capabilities for audio and video management. At the heart of this setup is a DTP CrossPoint 4K matrix switcher, which facilitates seamless video switching, and the DMP 128 Plus audio processor, which ensures high-quality sound distribution. These components enable the smooth handling of complex multimedia presentations.

TouchLink Pro touchpanels are installed to simplify control for faculty and technicians, allowing them to easily adjust audio levels, manage lighting, and switch video inputs as needed. An XPA U 3502 amplifier powers SM 28 surface-mount speakers, ensuring powerful and balanced audio coverage throughout the auditorium. The amplifier’s ENERGY STAR®-qualified design provides efficient power management, while the SM 28 speakers offer optimal audio quality suited for lectures, presentations, and large events.

Energy Management and Control

Energy efficiency is a key priority for the university, and Extron’s GlobalViewer Enterprise (GVE) software plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. GVE provides a centralized platform for monitoring and controlling all the AV systems in the building in real-time, giving administrators the tools they need to track energy consumption and optimize usage.

“Adopting an advanced supervision and management system like GVE can simplify classroom management for Unimore and improve the service we provide in terms of troubleshooting,” says Marco Trame, CTO at Cavea Engineering. “GVE also helps identify new needs that may emerge from statistical analysis, particularly in managing energy consumption.”

Complementing the software, the IPL EXP PDU4H power expansion interface provides centralized power management, reducing unnecessary power consumption. This combination of hardware and software ensures that the facility remains energy-efficient while maintaining high performance.

RESULTS

The installation of Extron AV technology has transformed the Quarto Polo into a high-performing, energy-efficient academic environment. Using the IPL EXP PDU4H and GVE software, administrators gained precise control over power usage. These tools not only facilitate real-time monitoring but also help to uncover opportunities for deeper energy savings than originally anticipated, helping Unimore meet its sustainability objectives.

System management has also become more straightforward. The GVE platform provides centralized visibility, simplifying troubleshooting and allowing technical staff to address issues proactively. The data gathered from the system has proven invaluable, revealing usage trends that help inform future upgrades and optimize resource allocation.

Cavea Engineering, the consulting firm, commended Extron’s dedicated support and comprehensive training, emphasizing the value of their contribution to the project overall. “We believe Extron is the perfect partner, said Cavea’s Marco Trame. “Their continuous assistance throughout the design and deployment phases guarantees project success.”

With Extron’s scalable AV infrastructure in place, the Quarto Polo is well-prepared for future growth. As Unimore continues to expand its academic offerings, the modular AV design ensures that the technology will evolve to meet new demands, maintaining the university's leadership in innovation and education.

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